Abstract
European healthcare systems are increasingly being challenged to respond to female genital mutilation (FGM). This study explores the FGM experiences of migrant women coming from FGM-practicing countries residing in a European host country. A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out and 23 participants were included. Data were collected through 18 face-to-face open-ended interviews and a focus group and were analysed using Giorgi’s four-step phenomenological approach. Three main themes were derived: “FGM consequences”, “healthcare received” and “tackling FGM”. Participants highlighted obstetric, gynaecological and genitourinary consequences such as haemorrhages, perineal tears, caesarean delivery, risk of infection, dysmenorrhea, urinary tract infections and dysuria; consequences for sexuality, mainly, dyspareunia, loss of sexual interest and decreased quality of sexual intercourse; and psychological consequences such as loss of self-esteem, feelings of humiliation and fear of social and familial rejection. Women perceived a profound lack of knowledge about FGM from health providers and a lack of sensitive and empathetic care. Some women perceived threatening and disproportionate attitudes and reported negative experiences. Participants highlighted the importance of educating, raising awareness and improving prevention and detection strategies. The findings disclose the need to improve training and institutional plans to address structural and attitudinal barriers to health equity across migrant families in their host countries.
Highlights
IntroductionViolence against women is one of the most pervasive gender-based inequalities that creates inequalities in many areas of the life of women and girls
There have been no studies to date that examine the experience of women affected by female genital mutilation (FGM) when receiving healthcare in the region of Valencia, evidence indicates that healthcare providers are not knowledgeable about FGM despite being a problem present in the Valencian community [23,24]. To address this need and considering that FGM may act as an element of discrimination and a condition for health inequalities in contexts where the practice of FGM is unknown and ignored, the aim of this study was to gain in-depth experiential knowledge about the experiences regarding FGM of migrant women coming from FGM-practicing countries residing in their European host country
All the participants came from countries affected by FGM: Mali, Somalia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Cameroon, except for one participant who came from Equatorial Guinea and was included in the study since she had close contact and knowledge about FGM
Summary
Violence against women is one of the most pervasive gender-based inequalities that creates inequalities in many areas of the life of women and girls. These disadvantages pose serious threats to their welfare and the fulfilment of their rights [1]. FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women and as an extreme form of gender discrimination that should be eliminated to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment. That is why the United Nations strives for its full eradication by 2030, following the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 5 [3]
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